Waterloo teacher says last contract shows lack of respect

He told the Board of Education Monday he’s been teaching here for 21 years, a rare male teacher at the lower grade level.

But he told the board he feels unappreciated and not respected for his efforts after the new teacher contract that went into effect in July.

“I began teaching when there were a lot of people in the teaching field. There’s a lot fewer going into teaching today. I love my job and since I began, I’ve gotten married and had children. I always tried to do my very best,” Valentino said.

“I worked hard to earn respect, but the new contract doesn’t make me feel valuable,” he said.